Multi-mesh lacrosse head

ABSTRACT

A pocket for a lacrosse head ( 10 ) includes a mesh portion ( 20 ) attached to the lacrosse head ( 10 ). The mesh portion ( 20 ) has a plurality of sets of holes ( 22  and  27 ) therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to lacrosse sticks, and more particularly to mesh pockets for heads of lacrosse sticks.

2. Background of the Invention

Current lacrosse sticks have heads with one of two known conventional pockets. First, traditional pockets typically consist of four adjustable leather thongs that extend between the lacrosse scoop and the base of the head. Soft fabric laces, i.e. nylon laces, are interwoven with the thongs to form the pocket for holding the ball in the head. The laces are held in place by sidewall strings attached to the opposing sidewalls. The stiffness of the leather thongs provides for precise ball control in high velocity throwing and shooting.

Disadvantages of the traditional pockets include the extensive maintenance required of the pocket, the damage to the pocket when the leather thongs are exposed to moisture, and poor ball control while running. Repeated use of the pocket stretches the leather thongs so as to change the shape of the pocket and the performance thereof. The user must adjust the leather thongs to maintain the desired shape of the pocket and its associated performance.

Furthermore, the leather thongs stretch and shrink unevenly when they dry after being exposed to moisture, as typically is the case when lacrosse games are held in the rain. The resulting uneven shrinkage requires further adjustment of the thongs.

Mesh strung pockets are also known. The mesh pockets are typically formed of a soft fabric material and are comprised of a single unit that attaches to the lacrosse head. Current mesh pockets are configured such that they have ten holes across, sometimes referred to as ten diamond mesh; six hole mesh, sometimes referred to as six diamond mesh; or five hole mesh, sometimes referred to as five diamond mesh. Mesh pockets are looser than traditional pockets thereby providing greater ball control while running. Another benefit of this mesh pocket is that it does not require the extensive maintenance that traditional pockets require. Also, mesh pockets are relatively inexpensive.

The advantage to ten hole mesh is that the ball is not cupped by any one hole so that the lacrosse ball roles smoothly over the mesh. The disadvantage to a ten hole mesh is that the ball, while running, roles around in the lacrosse pocket and is easily dislodged during game play. The advantage to a six hole mesh is that the holes are larger resulting in a mesh that holds the ball more efficiently due to the fact that the holes allow the ball to be cupped. The disadvantage to six hole mesh is that when throwing or shooting the lacrosse ball the mesh produces too much hold on the ball, commonly known as whip, which results in throwing the ball into the ground.

Therefore, given the described advantages of large and small mesh above, it would be desirable to provide a lacrosse pocket with a mesh that is a combination of both large and small holes. This mesh would have a plurality of small holes at the top of the pocket and a plurality of larger holes at the bottom. This design would allow for excellent throwing and shooting because the upper set of holes are smaller and produce less friction on the ball resulting in a smoother release, while the larger holes would provide more friction on the ball when running thus increasing the hold on the ball during game play making it more difficult to dislodge.

In the instant application and within the art of lacrosse mesh one of ordinary skill would recognize that Ten hole mesh typically has holes measuring approximately 1 cm×1.75 cm diamond shapes when measured across the major access and when stretched under standard use and Six hole mesh has hoes about 2 cm×3 cm diamond shape when measured across the major accesses and stretched; with lower numbered or higher measured mesh measuring in dimensions less than or greater than 6 or 10 mesh respectively based on number. For Example 4 or 5 hole mesh has larger hole measurements than six hole mesh and 10 hole mesh and 7 hole mesh would measure between 10 and 6 hole mesh larger than 10 hole but smaller than 6 hole as is understood by one of ordinary skill.

Further, in the instant invention, when the instant application references “mesh” or “meshes” including a “plurality” of mesh or meshes, or a “first” and/or “second” mesh, or an “upper” and/or “lower” mesh it is in a preferred embodiments referring to a mesh section formed by at least a two by two section of same sized mesh holes and does not include differences in mesh formed by attaching one sized mesh to another, incomplete or open mesh portions, or other linear strings or rope that are laced around the mesh material that happen to divide (for example; diamond or circular) holes in the mesh into sections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pocket for a lacrosse head. The pocket includes a mesh portion, comprising at least two sets of mesh having variously sizing, disposed between a pair of opposing sidewalls of the lacrosse head.

One advantage of the present invention is that the mesh pocket provides the stiffness required for accurate control, high velocity throwing and shooting.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that minimal maintenance is required to keep the mesh pocket in its desired shape.

Still yet another advantage of the present invention is that material and assembly costs are inexpensive.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front view of a lacrosse head with a mesh pocket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a lacrosse head with a mesh pocket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a mesh pocket with a lacrosse ball disposed therein, as shown in FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lacrosse head having a mesh pocket integrally formed therein according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lacrosse head having a mesh pocket integrally formed therein according to an alternative embodiment of the invention having circular holes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in the various views.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown front and side views, respectively, of a lacrosse head 10 with a mesh pocket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The lacrosse head 10 includes a pair of opposing sidewall portions 12 connected to each other at their top ends by a scoop portion 14 and at their bottom ends by a base portion 16 of the lacrosse head 10.

Preferably, sidewall stringing 18 is laced through a series of apertures within all the portions 12, 14, 16 of the lacrosse head 10. These portions generally comprise an integral frame. The sidewall stringing 18 is interwoven with a mesh portion 20 and 28 so as to secure the mesh portion 20 and 28 to the lacrosse head 10. Alternatively, the mesh portion 20 and 28 may be secured to the lacrosse head 10 by directly stringing it through the series of apertures.

The preferred embodiment further requires that the mesh portion 20 is a soft fabric material with a plurality of a first set of holes 22 and a plurality of a second set of holes 27 therein. The mesh portion 20 is preferably composed of a synthetic material. Examples of the synthetic material include nylon and polyester.

Furthermore, the mesh portion 20 is preferably treated with a stiffening agent, i.e. polyurethane, for hardening the mesh and providing resistance to moisture absorption. By hardening the mesh portion 20 and 28, the stiffening agent prevents deformation of the pocket thereby allowing the pocket to retain a more uniform shape. In this regard, a well formed pocket treated with the stiffening agent may consistently provide for desirable performance without the need for maintaining the mesh. Furthermore, the increased hardness of the mesh portion 20 and 28 allows for quick release, as well as accurate throwing and shooting with significant speed, i.e. whip. In an alternative embodiment only the upper or lower mesh portions 20 or 28 may be treated with a stiffening agent for increase holding. An especially preferred alternative embodiment would be wherein the lower portion is 20 is not treated to increase hold of the ball.

The stiffening agent water-proofs the mesh portion 20 and 28 so as to prevent the mesh portion 20 and 28 from stretching or shrinking. In doing so, the stiffening agent preserves the shape of the pocket and its associated performance. Also, the resistance to moisture absorption prevents damage to the material composing the mesh portion 20 and 28. Consequently, the strengthening agent increases the life of the mesh portion 20 and 28 and causes it to provide performance similar to traditional stringing without the expense associated with traditional pockets.

The lower mesh portion 20 has less than eight holes 22 disposed within a horizontal row from one sidewall portion 12 to the opposing sidewall portion 12. In the preferred embodiment, the lower mesh portion 20 includes three to eight diamond-shaped holes 22, which alire disposed within a horizontal row. In a more preferred embodiment, the lower mesh portion 20 includes three to six diamond-shaped holes 22, which are disposed within a horizontal row. Most preferably, the mesh portion 20 includes six diamond shaped holes 22 disposed within a horizontal row.

The upper mesh portion 28 has less than fifteen holes 27 disposed within a horizontal row from one sidewall portion 12 to the opposing sidewall portion 29. In the preferred embodiment, the upper mesh portion 28 includes four to fifteen diamond-shaped holes 27, which are disposed within a horizontal row. In a more preferred embodiment, the upper mesh portion 27 includes ten to twelve diamond-shaped holes 28, which are disposed within a horizontal row.

In the particular embodiment of FIG. 4, there is an upper and lower mesh where the lower mesh has larger holes then the upper mesh with the upper mesh comprises respectively smaller holes. There is a border (50) between the upper and lower mesh formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes. Where on either side of the mesh border the larger holes are below the border and smaller holes are above the border. The two different mesh sizes are integrally formed into one mesh piece. This can be accomplished by fusing, sewing, stitching, gluing, or any other appropriate method known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In FIG. 4 the border formed by the mesh is defined by a V shape. However the border can further be defined by a curved border formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes and mesh, such as FIG. 5.

When strung into lacrosse head the positioning of the mesh border between the upper and lower mesh is adjustable up and down the lacrosse head in order to maximize the positioning of the side for particular properties comprising greater ball handling, control, throwing, and accuracy.

For instance if a newer player were to string their stick with this mesh they would prefer that the “V” border be lower in the stick head, closer to the bottom of the head. This would allow the player to hold the ball with greater control but be able to throw/shoot the ball with little to no whip, making it easier to operate. A player that wishes to gain maximum control of the ball would move the “V” border up towards the top of the lacrosse head, roughly ⅔rds the way to the top edge, just below the shooting strings as seen in FIG. 4. This Configuration would provide the player with the ability to control the ball and throw various fakes during game play. Quite simply the higher you place the “V” border in the lacrosse head the more whip is produced while throwing and shooting. The lower the “V” border is placed in the stick the less whip exists making passing and shooting smoother. Newer players would tend to string their sticks with the “V” border lower in the stick and a more experienced player would string the “V” border higher towards the top edge of the stick in order to customize the throwing and shooting abilities.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the mesh portion 20 and 28 is integrally formed within the lacrosse head 10 thereby dispensing with the need for the sidewall stringing 18. In particular, the mesh portion 20 and 28 and the lacrosse head 10 are portions of a single injection molded item. Accordingly, the mesh portion 20 is composed of the same material, i.e. plastic, as the lacrosse head 10. As a result, the mesh portion 20 and 28 is sufficiently rigid so as to keep a consistent pocket shape and to reduce maintenance thereof. Furthermore, the stiffness of the mesh portion 20 and 28 also allows for precise throwing and shooting.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment requires that the holes 22 are sized sufficiently large for allowing the lower mesh portion 20 to cup portions 26 of a lacrosse ball 24 within the holes 22. This type of engagement between the lacrosse ball 24 and the mesh portion 20 provides substantial friction between the lacrosse ball 24 and the mesh portion 20. Consequently, the user has improved grip on the ball 24 when in movement. In an alternative embodiment, the integral plastic lacing may have a scuffed or roughened surface to provide better ball retention.

In particular embodiment, the lower mesh portion 20 may have less than three holes 22 in a horizontal row. By decreasing the number of holes 22 in a horizontal row, the size of each hole 22 will typically increase. The larger size of holes 22 may result in the tendency of the ball 24 to rock from one hole 22 to another hole 22 in the pocket. Such an engagement between the ball 24 and the mesh portion 20 decreases smoothness in handling and overall ball control.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the lower mesh portion 20 may have four to eight holes 22 disposed within a horizontal row. The increase in the number of holes 22 in a horizontal row will typically decrease the size of the holes 22. As a result, smaller portions 26 of the ball 24 are cupped within the holes 22 thereby decreasing the amount of friction between the mesh portion 20 and the ball 24. The reduction in friction in the lower mesh may decrease accuracy in throwing and shooting the ball 24.

In still further alternative embodiment, not shown, the mesh can comprise three, or four, or a plurality of rows of differently sized mesh having three or four or a plurality of respective differently sized holes between said mesh. Preferably, wherein the differently sized mesh and corresponding holes get progressively smaller as you get to the top of the lacrosse head and move away bottom of the stick head into the head. Preferably the mesh and holes changes size in a border line in several v shapes as in FIG. 4, or curved shape, a hyperbolic, or parabolic shape or a combination of the two.

Based on experimental testing in accordance with the preferred embodiment, wherein there is a V or diamond shaped transition mesh border separating an upper and lower mesh (as in FIG. 1) where the lower mesh is a 6 mesh and the upper mesh is a 10 mesh, and further wherein the lower mesh is present high enough up from the bottom of the lacrosse head as to be capable of forming a pocket holding a standard lacrosse ball without the ball touching or being cradled by the smaller upper 10 mesh. The inventor has found that the instant invention increases the velocity of the ball when thrown by a lacrosse shooter. Additionally the instant invention has increased shooter or passing lacrosse player should realize increase in accuracy and precision of the ball throwing and passing.

10 diamond mesh shot Matrix Mesh shot speed Player- 10 shots speed in MPH in MPH John 63, 64, 63, 66, 65 68, 67, 69, 72, 70 Josh 82, 81, 79, 83, 84 83, 84, 84, 86, 85 Andrew 77, 75, 73, 72, 75 76, 78, 75, 79, 76 Gage 67, 63, 67, 72, 68 68, 68, 76, 68, 74 Cody 58, 58, 59, 60, 59 62, 60, 62, 66, 61

Particular embodiment of the invention can comprise a pocket for a lacrosse head comprising, a mesh portion attached to the lacrosse head, wherein the mesh portion has a plurality of holes comprising at least two different sets of differently sized meshes with differently sized holes. Said mesh portion is coated with a stiffening agent.

Wherein said coating provides said mesh portion with water resistant characteristics.

Wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of nylon and polyester.

Wherein said plurality of holes form a polygon, diamond, circular shape, or a combination thereof.

Wherein there are two differently sized meshes with differently sized holes comprising an upper and lower mesh of different sizes.

Wherein the lower mesh has larger holes then the upper mesh with the upper mesh comprises respectively smaller holes.

Wherein there is a border between the upper and lower mesh formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes.

Wherein said border formed by the mesh is defined by a V shape, or curved border formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes.

Further embodiments comprising a pocket for a lacrosse head comprising, a mesh portion attached to the lacrosse head, wherein the mesh portion has a plurality of holes comprising an upper and lower set of mesh comprising differently sized meshes with differently sized holes; wherein the lower mesh has larger holes then the upper mesh with the upper mesh comprising respectively smaller holes, wherein there is a border between the upper and lower mesh formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes formed by the mesh defined by a V shape, or curved border between said larger and smaller holes.

Wherein said plurality of holes form a polygon, diamond, circular shape, or a combination thereof.

Wherein said mesh portion is coated with a stiffening agent.

Wherein said coating provides said mesh portion with water resistant characteristics.

Wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of nylon and polyester.

Wherein the positioning of the mesh border between the upper and lower mesh is adjustable up and down the lacrosse head in order to maximize the positioning of the side for particular properties comprising greater ball handling, control, throwing, and accuracy.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims. 

1. A pocket for a lacrosse head comprising, a mesh portion attached to the lacrosse head, wherein the mesh portion has a plurality of holes comprising at least two different sets of differently sized meshes with differently sized holes.
 2. The pocket of claim 1 wherein said mesh portion is coated with a stiffening agent.
 3. The pocket of claim 1 wherein said coating provides said mesh portion with water resistant characteristics.
 4. The pocket of claim 1 wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of nylon and polyester.
 5. The pocket of claim 1, wherein said plurality of holes form a polygon, diamond, circular shape, or a combination thereof.
 6. The pocket of claim 1, wherein there are two differently sized meshes with differently sized holes comprising an upper and lower mesh of different sizes.
 7. The pocket of claim 6, wherein the lower mesh has larger holes then the upper mesh with the upper mesh comprises respectively smaller holes.
 8. The pocket of claim 7, wherein there is a border between the upper and lower mesh formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes.
 9. The pocket of claim 8, wherein said border formed by the mesh is defined by a V shape, or curved border formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes.
 10. The pocket of claim 9, wherein said V or curved shaped border formed by the mesh between the upper and lower mesh defines an area of the lower mesh capable of cupping a standard sized lacrosse ball.
 11. A pocket for a lacrosse head comprising, a mesh portion attached to the lacrosse head, wherein the mesh portion has a plurality of holes comprising an upper and lower set of mesh comprising differently sized meshes with differently sized holes; wherein the lower mesh has larger holes then the upper mesh with the upper mesh comprising respectively smaller holes, wherein there is a border between the upper and lower mesh formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes formed by the mesh defined by a V shape, or curved border between said larger and smaller holes.
 12. The pocket of claim 11, wherein said plurality of holes form a polygon, diamond, circular shape, or a combination thereof.
 13. The pocket of claim 11, wherein said mesh portion is coated with a stiffening agent.
 14. The pocket of claim 11, wherein said coating provides said mesh portion with water resistant characteristics.
 15. The pocket of claim 11, wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of nylon and polyester.
 16. The pocket of claim 11, wherein the positioning of the mesh border between the upper and lower mesh is adjustable up and down the lacrosse head in order to maximize the positioning of the side for particular properties comprising greater ball handling, control, throwing, and accuracy.
 17. The pocket of claim 1, wherein there are three differently sized meshes with differently sized holes comprising an upper mesh sections, a middle mesh section, and lower mesh all of which comprise differently sized holes.
 18. The pocket of claim 17, wherein the lower mesh has larger holes then the middle mesh, and the middle mesh has larger holes than the upper mesh section and the upper mesh sections comprises smaller holes than the both the middle and lower mesh sections.
 19. The pocket of claim 18, wherein there is a border between the upper, middle, and lower mesh formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes.
 20. The pocket of claim 19, wherein said border formed by the mesh is defined by a V shape, or curved border formed by the mesh between said larger and smaller holes. 